LeGarrette Blount more mindful of preventing fumbles

The Bucs say one of the reasons running back LeGarrette Blount wasn't used in Sunday's key late-game redzone situation was because coaches were looking for ball security more than anything at that juncture.

To that end, veteran Cadillac Williams -- who has lost eight fumbles in six seasons -- was used on consecutive runs, rather than Blount who had been punishing Detroit defenders all day.

Now, Blount is talking about the decision and says he doesn't take offense. In fact, he said he is working to make himself a more sure-handed ball carrier. He said his problems stem mostly from not being as aware when in the open as he is at the line of scrimmage.

"After the intial contact and getting into some open field, I tend to not carry it as cautious as I was when I’m in traffic," Blount said. "That’s an area I have to improve on."

How does one do that?

"(Practice) drills," Blount said. "When I run the football, I have the defense grab at it and swipe at it and make sure they can’t get it out."

Blount's assessment is fairly accurate. His last fumble -- which came against Washington and was fresh in coach's minds on Sunday -- came after he had broken tackles at the line of scrimmage and began rumbling down the field. Cornerback D'Angleo Hall poked the ball out from behind and the Redskins recovered.

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